Sciatica
Sciatica
This information may be useful for those who have been diagnosed with sciatica. People who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms should visit their healthcare professional for assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Read more about managing a back problem
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common condition. It is also sometimes called nerve root pain or radicular pain. Sciatica is a term used to describe pain felt in the leg, but which often comes from the lower back.
The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs all the way down the back of the leg into the foot. Symptoms can be felt along any part of this nerve. They can come on suddenly or slowly, and can range from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When to get professional advice
Rarely, sciatica can cause a condition called Cauda equina syndrome to develop.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious back condition which can lead to permanent damage or disability. If you develop this condition you’ll need to be seen by an emergency specialist spinal team.
Phone 111 as soon as possible if you have:
- loss of feeling/pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals
- numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks
- altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
- increasing difficulty when you try to urinate
- increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine
- loss of sensation when you pass urine
- leaking urine or recent need to use pads
- not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty
- inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking
- loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion
- change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
- loss sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse
If you have had a new significant trauma affecting your back in the last 7 days, for example a fall from height or a direct impact to the back area, you should also phone 111.
Causes
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica happens when the nerves that run from the spine down the legs become irritated. Often this comes from inflammation around the nerves. In some cases it comes from pressure on them, usually because of a change in one of the discs in the spine.
The good news is that most sciatica symptoms improve with time. Nerves are resilient. In most cases the inflammation settles and any disc changes resolve, which allows the nerves to recover.
Diagnosis
To have sciatica diagnosed, you will need to be assessed by a healthcare professional.
They will ask you questions about the problem in your back and leg, then carry out a physical examination. This may include checking how far you can move and how strong your muscles are.
Sometimes you may need a further examination to rule out other possible health conditions.
Is a scan needed?
In the early stages, a scan rarely changes how the condition is managed. X-rays and MRI scans are generally not advised for people with sciatica. This is because structural changes in the spine are very common as we get older, and they are often found in people who have no symptoms at all.
A scan can be considered if your symptoms have not changed for more than 12 weeks, are still greatly affecting your quality of life, and you wish to consider surgery. Your healthcare professional can discuss this with you.
How long does sciatica last?
Sciatica usually improves within 12 weeks, but this can vary a great deal from one person to another. For some people, symptoms take up to a year to settle, and they can come and go during this time.
It also helps to know that many things can influence your symptoms, such as poor sleep, stress and your emotional wellbeing.
Treatment
Treatment of sciatica
Most people will recover from sciatica with a combination of time, modifying activity, and pacing themselves to allow the nerves to adapt. Pain medication, staying active, and gentle exercise will also help.
The nerve can still be sensitive so it is recommended to build up your tolerance to activities slowly. The little and often approach to movement is recommended.
Self help
There are some things you can do to help manage this condition yourself.
Work
A back problem can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on the nature of your condition and your role at work.
You do not need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery. Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.
Help and support
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.
If your sciatica hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, or if your symptoms get worse at any time, talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Find out about access to MSK services in your area
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.